The G6 is right now in Stock at Samys (Click here) and Amazon (via Samys). As usual in USA Panasonic is a bit slow in delivering enough cameras to the US market. Olympus is already shipping the E-p5 with no delay but it seems like the camera isn’t selling that good on Amazon (ranking here). I guess most of the people will now wait for the Panasonic GX7 instead…
P.S.: Stillv alid, The $299 for the G5
53 Responses
That the E-p5 isn’t selling well is of no suprise to anyone. The price is crazy. But what’s really holding back Olympus is it’s cavalier attitude to video. The OMD-EM5 could have killed and so could this model if Olympus would deliver 5 axis stabilization along with a better video codec and frame rates that matter.
Panasonic with their GX-7 are going to do very well because Panasonic actually listens to their customers.
Was going to pull the trigger on the E-P5 bundle and sell the EVF and 17mm off but now I am waiting for the announcement of the GX-7 for comparison. I don’t know if either one will be successful due to price, but you are right that Panasonic is at least listening to their customers. If anything, when the GX-7 is announced, the E-P5 price will drop a bit. The only two things I like about Olympus M43 camera is their JPEG reproduction and 5-Axis IBIS.
Agree Endlos- Olympus video is the pits, which is crazy because 5 axis is of enormous use to videographers. It would not have taken much to make this camera far more appealing to those with an interest in video. This is what happens when a company doesn’t listen to consumers. This camera had fail written on it from day one. The price is insane, the video sucks- if Sony introduces an APS with the 5 axis IS I’m getting the new Sigma f1.8 zoom and moving to Sony. Screw micro four thirds and their overpriced lenses. I mean, some lens are cheap but the decent ones are too expensive. That Sigma lens is amazing and the price is right.
Olympus codec is just too bad.
+1 on video. It really frustrates me that there is not a single model in the Olympus lineup that meets even the most basic needs of videographers.
while the OMD is not the 1st choice for videography, its enough for someone like who likes to do some behind the scene shooting during a photosessions, so the documentary footage is less demanding in some ways. But the ibis allows me some stability while recording, which is nice. I am planning to do some serious amount of videographing when i go one week to Jakarta for a doing a few days sessions with a local friend photographer there, who will arrange it all with my favourite model. The plan is to make a documentary about a few days in the life of a local popular model like Aneu Sonia (who herself is a talented photograr too, does organize charity events and has credits for some movie productions doing the make-up and wardrobes). In combination with the photosessions ofcourse. I will prob use just one lens for everything, the 25mm summilux. Sponsors anyone?
Wedding shoot done with OMD (mostly handheld)
https://vimeo.com/69368786
Only a poor workman blames his tools, but I see a lot of poor workman nowadays
And…once again I see someone has taken to quoting a generalisation without really thinking about the implications of what they’re saying.
thats a great looking video, i am sure mine wont look that smooth.
Ditto, would be nice if Olympus offered some choice and competition for videographers. But for now Panasonic is taking care of that area pretty well 🙂
IF you did not have a MFT camera you may consider an E-P5 but with not a whole lot new to offer especially better video and a newer improved sensor there is no reason for me to upgrade . I am extremely happy with my E-PM2…and for video my Nikon 1 V 1 does amazingly well…Hold onto your euros mates until something worth buying comes along…Keep shooting with what you have , you may amaze yourself
Aww, c’mon Olympus listens to their customers. It’s just that they are dyphlexic, so that’s why we have silver lenses. We just need to ask for silver lenses, then they will make black ones.
I had ordered a e-p5, but with the delay ordered a PM2 and really enjoyed it for vacation. Now no need and canceled the amazon order for the p5. Camera makers WILL lose out on sales if they can’t get their production issues taken care of. Actually had ordered a Fuji 100S …..no one wanted my money!!!
The IQ of the PM2 is great. Probably our camera for many years.
Maybe they are waiting for the OMD-EM-5 replacement.
Both Olympus and Panasonic need to cut back on the number of models they offer. Neither company’s camera division is profitable, so they have no money to waste on same inside/different outside models. Olympus should cut-back to the E-PM2, OMD-EM-5 and a OMD-Pro. The GX-7 is an answer to a question that consumers haven’t asked.
I guess you’ve missed the plethora of online discussions over the past few years with many, many users calling out for either Olympus or Panasonic to offer a compact, rangefinder-styled camera with a built-in EVF, unlike the current crop of P&S-styled, DSLR-styled and SLR-styled cameras. Sony and Fuji did, Panasonic is answering.
Sure, the P&S models (GX1, EPMx, EPLx and EP5) allow users to attach an external EVF, but this makes them rather awkward to carry. Some can even fall off, because they lack a locking base. The SLR/DSLR models are far bulkier, given their integrated center-top mounted EVFs and protruding ergonomic grips (G and GH series).
I bought a GX1 and LVF2 to augment my GH2, but would much prefer the GX7 and it’s all-in-one design with the integrated EVF. I probably wouldn’t use it with my 100-300mm, but it would be a great match for my shorter primes and 7-14mm. I have considered getting a NEX 6, but would much prefer cameras from the same system.
No I haven’t missed the discussion, but a lot of camera buyers have missed them. Most camera buyers do NOT read rumor sites or forums, and don’t care about Retro/Non-Retro Styling.
If Olympus and Panasonic don’t get-their-act-together they may very well be out of the camera business sometime soon. So offering both a GH3 and GX7 doesn’t make much economic sense. Neither does offering both EP and OMD models.
Think you speak for everyone? I think there’s a place for faux DSLR and rangefinder shape…Panasonic is making the right move in having 4 distinct lines. GH / G / GX / GF. All address a segment of camera buyers
Obviously I don’t speak for the Very Serious Photo Enthusiasts crowd 8-D
I think it’s confusing to have GH / G / GX / GF just as it is E-P / E-PM / E-PL /E-M5, perhaps they intentionally want to confuse the market. I would prefer if there was 1 compact version and 1 fully featured version from each manufacturer.
I think it is clear and simple, and a good strategy:
GH is their upper end DSLR styled line, G is the cheaper version.
GX is the upper end range finder styled line, GF is the cheaper version.
Is good to at a minimum have a cheaper and more expensive version, so you can hit more than one budget range for potential buyers.
at least with the G6 they seem to have missed the point. For me they certainly did. I am not sure they hit it with GH3 either.
I am cautiousely optimistic for the GX7 but honestly, we do not know much about it yet.
It just doesn’t make much sense to you, c.d.
Wow cd, ive never seen someone so clueless about product placement in my life. So what your saying is companies should make 1 and only 1 type of product?
@true homer, the BIG DOGS (Canon and Nikon) seem to be doing OK with their limited number of models (low priced, medium priced and high priced DSLRs), plus their less-than-successful forays into mirrorless. Fuji has a lot of models (X100s, X-1Pro, X-E1 and X-M1), but they all share they all follow the same basic theme, not a faux SLR among them.
What are you talking about? At least do a decent google
Canon has 3 full frames, 3 aps c (on of them gets refreshed every 4 months) and a mirrorless eos m. Thats way more models than m43s.
Nikon has also 3 full frames (with the d3s not discontinued yet), 3 apsc, and the entire 1 system (2 or 3 more models)
Pana has 4 models
Oly has 4 models
@true homer, I was talking about the cameras BODY DESIGN, not sensor size. Does Canon or Nikon make both Faux Rangefinder and DSLRs for each of their sensors?? The FAILED Canon EOS M isn’t distributed in the USA anymore.
Nikon makes both Faux Rangwfinders and DSLRs in their Nikon 1 line, but I’ve yet to see a Nikon D3x (or D800) with a Faux Rangefinder body
Have a nice day.
The extra bulky size and physical constraints of a DSLR means they can not build a range finder styled camera in the manner that Panasonic can with mirrorless cameras such as the GX7.
Your logic is flawed as Nikon and Canon only make DSLRs with optical through the lens finders.
With mirrorless cameras it is much more easy to put the EVF in any place.
Saying that mirrorless cameras should be limited in the design just because SLRs as well as rangefinder cameras were limited in their construction is just plain stupid.
Why would a company not make cameras with different designs if buyers want them?
Besides all mirror doesn’t even have an EVF.
According to your logic Olympus and Sony should never add an EVF to their cameras and Fujifilm should not make the X-M1.
If you been out in the hot sun for too long just take a cold shower and your mind will think much more clearly! Because nobody here agrees with you, and that is telling something!
Hey c.d.embrey!
When you find yourself digging a hole, and you want to get out of it, the first thing you do is…stop digging!
Wrong again buddy, the eos m is still being distributed in the us and doesnt appear as discontinued in the canon usa site. The even have a list of us distributors with available new models
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/where_to_buy/consumer/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_digital_slr_cameras/eos_m_ef_m_22mm_stm_kit
And what about sony? They have slt bodies, rangefinder styled bodies and lcd bodies that includes qn lcd full frame and theyre doing quite well.
Leica has rangefinder full frame bodies, faux slr point and shoots, the lcd apsc x2 and a slr medium format.
Pentax has slr bodies and 2 mirrorless systems.
Samsung has slr styled bodies and lcd mirrorless.
Of course consumers care about the styling, no matter whether they’re active in photography forums or not.
Why doesn’t it make sense to offer both the GH3 and the GX7? Because of the price? I’d think two products would have to be too similar to not make sense being offered alongside each other – wouldn’t that be more the case with G6 vs. GX7?
Perhaps Panasonic will find out which of the two higher-end product lines (GH and GX) is more popular and will draw its conclusions after the GX7 is launched. It’s sort of a new form factor for them, so why argue against it and state that it doesn’t make sense along the GH line before the first product is even out? The GX1 was also a reaction to requests for offering something in the spirit of the GF1 rather than the shrunken and ‘dumbed down’ GF predecessors, but by the time the GX1 was announced, some people were hoping for more than a updated GF1 and this is finally being addressed with the GX7. Rather than a follow-up on the GX1, this seems sort of like a second attempt – to satisfy enthusiasts who wanted a compact, but not simplified body with high-end specs. Skipping 4-5 model numbers must have some sort of meaning like that.
I have to disagree. Offering both DSLR styled and RF styled cameras makes ample sense. The buyers who favor one style seem to want nothing to do with the other. What may not make sense is making so many different variations on each: EPM, EPL, EP have far fewer differences than similarities. Same for G3, G5, G6, and GX, GF. I think the GH3 is distinct enough from the other Panasonic bodies, in terms of size, price and intended buyer to be a justifiable separate line.
When Olympus introduced the E-P1 I loved the idea but hated the lack of VF electronic or optical. The original Pen which was the inspiration had one. I can only assume that the E-volt-300 experience scared them off from a more serious commitment.
At the time no one seemed to care and I got a lot of grief from people about being a photo-snob in wanting a VF.
So… along with video, shallow DOF EVFs a re poised to be the latest must have fashion in cameras.
I have to say that this is one fashion I will embrace.
c.d.embrey — Panasonic is reducing the amount of models. And I think both the GH3 and GX7 make sense.
GH3 is perfect for run and gun type segments with it’s built in jacks for microphone and headphone and all the other compelling features. In my particular case I already have a GH2, external audio recorder and lav mic so it’s less relevant for me. (But if I didn’t already own that equipment the GH3 would be a no-brainer).
The GX7 with IBIS and it’s lower visibility for shooting stills would fill a different need for me.
Also think Panasonic has recently been very smart with their new lenses. So I think Panasonic is making the right moves. Olympus on the other hand …
Panasonic does seem to be getting the camera line-up correct with a 4 camera line-up
1. GF for the very small , inexpensive camera. Suitable for a p&s upgraded or anyone needing a small camera.
2. G for a general purpose camera.
3. GX for the advance enthusiast camera .
4. GH for the pro-level camera.
Olympus seems to not have the right niches filled yet. The E-P5 really needed a built-in EVF for the price being asked. The E-PL5 and the E-P5 are just too close together with the features they have.
GH3 is for the serious work, I can’t count many times people giving doubts when I bring my GH2 for shooting, with GH3 there are people actually saying it look pro.
They just ignored the G6 lol
It’s a shame if the EP5 is not selling well, although Amazon is not always a reliable benchmark for overall sales.
However, if the EP5 is not selling well, let that be a cautionary tale re pricing for m4/3 systems. The EP5 is one fine camera…but the price of m4/3 is getting a bit out of hand. At a time when DSLRs are coming down in price, even FF, the m4/3 cams seem to be moving up in price.
Sure there are size advantages, but the public will only pay so much for smaller size and weight. If anything. the average consumer expects to pay less for less size and weight.
Oly and Panny are being pressured on 2 sides. On 1 side there is growing competition from mirrorless APS-C cameras, which are as small, but with larger sensors for higher IQ. On the other side there are DSLRs which are shrinking in size, and are in some cases shrinking in price. So to make m4/3 viable for the long term Oly and Panny are going to have to really compete well in the market.
I also think that for many people, the camera is still a tool for taking photographs, and styling is of secondary importance. Most would not be willing to fork out an extra few hundred dollars for a nicer looking camera when other models (including those yet to be released) will have the same features for a lower price.
Or more features for the same price.
Sadly what you say ‘only’ applies to the Western markets. In Japan, people are all crazy about ‘cool’ gear. Last time I checked a famous price search machine, I found over 100 threads and none of them was complaining about price (most were either technical or ravings about how awesome the camera is).
Pursuing a strategy that works only in such a tiny fraction of the worlds seems entirely idiotic but for some reason they keep doing it. And they keep losing money.
The 5 axis stabilization is great if you’re crazy about blurred subjects on sharp backgrounds but otherwise it’s just marginally more useful than all the other IBIS and OIS technologies that are out there. Suddenly the PL5 looks like a bargain (which it is isnt, considering that there are again several cameras out there that perform better while being cheaper).
I think that as the M4/3 user base has expanded and changed, user expectations for what they want in a camera body and what they’re willing to pay has changed.
When M4/3 first appeared, it made economic sense to release models with the ability to add an EVF. This allowed for 2 virtual models using only one body and an add-on EVF. Now that more photographers have found, bought into and use M4/3, having an integrated EVF as well as articulating screens, etc., has become more important to the wider user base. Meanwhile, we’ve all seen popular cameras from Sony and Fuji that fill the need for compact, all-in-one cameras with integrated viewfinders.
So, the GX7 is a logical next step, answering calls from the user base… I would say a year or so late… while the EP5 represents clinging to the old, outmoded idea of separate body and EVF for a high-end body. The EPL5 and EPM2 work well with the modular approach, but are NOT trying to target more serious and high-end users.
Hopefully Olympus will smarten up and give users what they want.
Olympus made improvements in the E-P5 video. E-P5 vs GH3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIAAIClmA6s
Olympus can take from Sony: video codec, 60p/50p
That video has been debunked as rigged and unfair on a number of sites.
That video has been debunked as rigged and unfair on a number of sites.
Panasonic G6: hey guys im here and in stock!
users: gx7! Gx7! ep5! Gh3!em5 blah blah
Panasonic G6: sigh
Lol
They don’t know what they’re missing. G6 is the best pro camera ever made.
“best pro camera”?
That seems to be overstating things a bit, don’t you think? It’s a very nice camera, but hardly the “best” at much of anything. I’d consider one if I could get it without the kit lens.
It obviously isn’t the best pro camera ever made. Then again, it could be. Depends how you look at it. I suppose. My cardboard box pinhole camera is probably the best pro camera ever made.
Anyone know where I can find the G6 body only?
Figure it’ll hold me down till the GX7 drops. $299 is a very good price. can’t wait.
I’m confused. You bought a G6 for $299?
The G5..
I must have made a mistake in replying to your comment, instead of just making one.